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Dining: New Year’s Eve in Boston’s Back Bay

Still undecided about what to do or where to go on New Year’s Eve? There are a lot of good restaurants in Boston offering a variety of cusines waiting to delight the foodie in you.Whether you’re in the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the South End or the North End there’s bound to be something to satisfy your palette. In addition, several places are going all out with dancing and entertainment. There are so many options that in this article I will only be able to cover Back Bay. Come back on Tuesday for the next installment, when I will cover the South End.

Good company, good foodDo you love oysters, lobster bisque, venison or Natucket scallops? Then head over to 29 Newbury for a 4 course prix-fixe New Year’s Eve dinner. this yummy dinner can be yours for $85/person if you wait until the last minute to make a reservation. Plan ahead and pre-pay by Dec 24, and you can have the same dinner for $65/person. For an italian take on oysters and lobster bisque, followed by Tiramisu or New York style cheesecake, think Ciao Bella also on Newbury Street. In addition to its regular menu, Ciao Bella is offering a 3 course prix-fixe menu ($75/person) which includes a glass of champagne with dessert. A less traditional italian meal can be had at Sasso on Huntington Avenue. Their New Year’s Eve menu begins with a tasting canape that is followed by 4 courses ($75/person).

Something a little differentLooking for something more lavish, consider the L’Espalier; offering a lavish multi-course prix-fixe menu with optional wine pairings ($195). I had the good fortune to be taken to L’Espalier one New Year’s Eve and the meal was excellent, but I wasn’t prepared for what it would mean to eat five courses and drink five glasses of wine. At the opposite end of the spectrum is dinner at the Cottonwood Cafe. This Mexican/Southwestern eatery is offering a 4 course prix-fixed menu ($49/person) that includes an appetizer sampler, Caesar salad, your choice of five entrees and dessert.

Are you of the generation that thinks of Fondue as bread cubes dipped in melted Guyere cheese? The Wine Cellar will quickly show you that fondue can be a gourmet delight as well. For New Year’s Eve they are offering a 4 course prix-fixe menu with seatings at 5:30, 7:30, 9:30 & 10:30 PM. This may be just right if you want to eat out, then house hop, or event hop through first night.

All night long
Finally an extravaganza at the Top of the Hub. Not just dinner, but an entire evening of music and food. Starting at 7:30 PM with live jazz, an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres. This is followed at 8:30 by a six course dinner and a champagne toast at midnight. You must be at least 21 years old to attend, tickets are $250/person.